EDUCATION IN JÁCHYMOV
Introduction
The development of education in Jáchymov reflects the history of the town itself – from a dynamic mining centre in the sixteenth century through periods of decline and reform to national tensions and the modern educational system. Jáchymov was not only a town of mines and a mint, but also a place where institutions of supra-regional and even global importance were founded.
The Latin School – a centre of learning in the 16th century
The first school of the new settlement, later town, was the Latin School. It was founded probably in 1516, at the latest in 1517. After the settlement was granted town status, it became a so-called intermediate school, as instruction in basic subjects such as reading, writing and German was missing.
Its first rector, Stephan Roth (rector 1520–1523), introduced the teaching of Greek, which was exceptional for its time; Greek was not taught at Prague University until 1540. Pupils performed Latin and Greek dramas and the school quickly gained prestige.
Among the most significant rectors was Johannes Mathesius. He gave the school a firm internal structure and introduced catechism teaching. Although initially opposed, this step turned the school into an important centre of the Reformation. In 1551 he issued a new school ordinance – the Joachimsthaler Kirchen-Schul und Spitalordnung – which later became a model for other Latin schools.
The aim was not only to educate but also to form moral character. The school possessed a library, largely preserved to this day. It was admired during an inspection by King Ferdinand I..
Notable figures included Petr Plateanus, Philipp Eberbach, Georg Agricola and Nicolaus Hermann, who served as music teacher. The school cultivated instrumental and vocal music; pupils regularly sang in church and at ceremonies. Hermann’s hymns are still found in Protestant hymnbooks. His personal hymnbooks were purchased by the town in 1561 shortly before his death and remain part of the preserved library collection.
Mathesius also founded an Evangelical girls’ school, which provoked protests from the town council and the Latin School. Between 1540 and 1551, thanks to the teachers and Mayor Stephan Hacker, a public library was established – the first in the world to use a printed lending code.
The school’s end came after the Battle of White Mountain and the subsequent re-Catholicisation. Its last rector in 1627 was Wenceslaus Hillinger. During its existence, 24 rectors and 25 teachers served there.
The Mining School – the first of its kind in the world
By the early eighteenth century it had become clear that mining required professionally trained experts. On 13 October 1716, by order of Emperor Karel VI., the Mining School was founded – the first institution of its kind in the world.
In 1733 detailed teaching instructions were drawn up, including compulsory mathematics (with geometry), Latin-language instruction, mining law, mine surveying, ore science and laboratory practice. The course lasted two years and ended with practical examinations.
The school was abolished by decree of Marie Terezie on 10 March 1762 and incorporated into the University of Prague. Its curriculum later served as the basis for the mining academy in Banská Štiavnica.
Public and secondary schools
In the nineteenth century public and secondary schools expanded. In 1899 a new school building was opened and named after Emperor František Josef I..
After 1918 Czech classes and later Czech secondary education were established alongside German schools.
Following the Second World War, a new modern school building was opened on 29 August 1954. Since 1953 it has borne the name Marie Curie-Sklodowska.
Present day
Today the Marie Curie-Sklodowska Primary School is again administratively connected with the kindergarten. Thus, education in Jáchymov continues a tradition spanning more than five centuries.
